Major international berry grower-marketer plans to develop 200ha of blueberry plantings by 2028 and sees Laos emerging as a key supply hub for Asia markets
Costa Group inaugurated its brand-new project to grow berries in Laos on Saturday (1 March).
CEO Marc Werner was joined by a large group of local dignitaries for the official launch of the ground-breaking new investment, cutting the ribbon on 17ha of blueberry plantings at Paksong on the Bolaven Plateau.
Costa expects the operation to expand over the next five years to include 200ha of blueberry plantings.
“This is not only an important project for the Costa Group in developing the company’s international berry growing operations, but also in establishing what we hope will become a major investment in berry farming in Laos that will promote economic development, provide benefits for the local agricultural sector, and support local communities,” said Werner.
In addition to the initial 17ha of production, Costa intends to plant a further 50ha in 2026, and an anticipated 200ha by 2028.
“All going to plan, over the next five years, this investment will be a significant commitment by Costa to establishing a commercial and at-scale blueberry farming footprint in Laos,” Werner added.
Costa has a reputation as a leading grower of blueberries as well as a breeder and developer of unique blueberry varieties, including low- and no-chill genetics. Its blueberry variety programme has been operating for 30 years.
Costa has developed blueberry varieties and agronomic practices suitable for growing blueberries in both the Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere including in temperate and sub-tropical climates. The varieties can be grown under protective cover and out of the soil in substrate.
“What makes Laos such an ideal location for Costa to grow blueberries is not only its climate and geographic location, but also the opportunity to export these blueberries to other countries in Asia,” said Werner.
The project currently employs a local workforce of 65 people and as the investment progresses, Costa said it is committed to employing more locals, through developing and training a local workforce.
“There will be local employment opportunities at every level of our Laos operation, be it on-farm roles, specialist horticulture roles and of course supervisor and management roles,” he said. “Indeed, when we reach the planned production footprint of 200ha, our workforce should grow to employing up to 2,000 locals.”
Werner acknowledged the support of a number of people in facilitating the investment, including the Laos minister of industry and commerce, Malaythong Khomasith, and the governor of Champasak Province, Alounxai Sounnalath.
“Costa greatly appreciates their willingness to recognise the value Costa can bring to the Laos agricultural industry. We are also grateful for the valuable support shown by the Australian government, through the Australian ambassador to Laos, her excellency, Megan Jones and the embassy staff,” he said.
Costa blueberry varieties are grown in a number of countries and continents around the world, including Australia, China, Morocco, Zimbabwe, South Africa and across the Americas. “We are delighted that Laos can now be added to this exclusive list,” said Werner.
Read Fruitnet’s exclusive interview with consulting advisor to Costa Berry International Peter McPherson about the group’s Laos project here.
